John Stockton, the plaintiff, and his attorney, Rick Jaffe, appeared on ‘Fox & Friends First’ to discuss the objectives of the lawsuit pertaining to COVID-19. They also shed light on the reactions of other doctors regarding this legal action.
Basketball legend John Stockton has filed a lawsuit against Washington state officials, alleging that they have curtailed the freedom of speech for doctors who have expressed dissenting views on the mainstream narrative surrounding COVID-19.
Stockton, whose Gonzaga season tickets were suspended due to the school’s mask mandate in 2022, appeared on “Fox & Friends First” with one of his attorneys, Rick Jaffe, to talk about the reasons behind his lawsuit and the significance it holds for the protection of Americans’ First Amendment rights.
“It’s freedom. Even though we discuss medical freedom and other topics, it ultimately boils down to freedom – the freedom to express oneself. It’s our First Amendment,” expressed the experienced Utah Jazz point guard when questioned about their ultimate goal, during an interview with Todd Piro.
“It is crucial for our government and the lives we have grown to cherish in the United States of America.”
He continued to emphasize the significance of doctors being unable to express themselves, stating that it is a significant loss for society. When doctors are unable to articulate their truths and share their wisdom, we miss out on valuable insights from these brilliant individuals. This is a matter of great importance.
Former Utah Jazz player, John Stockton, spoke to the media during a press conference held before the New York Knicks game against the Utah Jazz on March 22, 2017, at the vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Stockton, a prominent figure in the field of scrutinizing the effectiveness of COVID vaccines and masks, recently initiated a lawsuit against Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the state’s medical commission. The lawsuit, which was filed last week, also involves doctors who have previously faced sanctions imposed by the state. The Spokesman-Review has reported on this development.
Dr. Richard Eggleston, a now-retired ophthalmologist and one of the plaintiffs in the case, allegedly received sanctions for publishing an article in the Lewiston Tribune discussing the matter.
In 2021, the commission officially adopted a mission statement to address the issue of COVID-19 misinformation.
“It is crucial for healthcare professionals to unite in the face of misinformation, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the numerous resources available to safeguard our well-being and that of others, we often encounter viral misinformation that hinders our efforts. These falsehoods are often based on unfounded scientific claims,” as stated on the website.
As healthcare professionals, we have a moral obligation to actively listen to our patients’ concerns, correct any misconceptions they may have, and empower them to make well-informed medical choices based on reliable research and scientific evidence. In these challenging times, it is crucial for us to uphold the principles of our oath to prioritize patient well-being and avoid any harm. This entails placing our trust in science, actively engaging in dialogue, providing education, and delivering compassionate care that aligns with the guidelines outlined by reputable authorities such as the FDA, CDC, and state health departments. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the health and safety of those we serve.
According to the website, doctors who provide treatments and recommendations that do not align with the “standard of care” determined by medical professionals may face disciplinary action.
According to Jaffe, the Washington Medical Commission stands out from other states in its approach. They believe that speaking up against the COVID narrative is an act of moral turpitude, which they argue gives them the legal power to penalize doctors. Jaffe expressed this viewpoint during a discussion on Thursday.
“It seems rather absurd to me… We’ve always had a tradition, spanning over 75 years, of enabling professionals to express their opinions openly. I’m not aware of any legal precedent that supports silencing professionals.”
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He continued by saying that addressing the public directly through speeches is a relatively new idea. He expressed his hope that this tactic would not be successful, but acknowledged that nobody has confronted Washington on this matter yet. He stated that his intention is to challenge Washington in this regard.
According to The Spokesman-Review, the lawsuit sought a declaration asserting that the state’s authority to penalize doctors based on their positions on COVID violates the substantive procedural due process rights of Washington licensed physicians.
According to the Gonzaga alumnus, who was honored with induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, the feedback he has received from doctors has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I have been receiving calls from individuals and doctors whom I haven’t had the chance to connect with for some time, and their gratitude is overwhelming,” he expressed. “They appreciate the fact that someone is taking a stand and voicing their concerns. It seems that although anyone can do it, my voice carries a bit more weight than the average citizen, and they are thankful that someone is speaking up and acknowledging that something is amiss here.”
During the pandemic, Stockton expressed his shock at the closure of businesses, as well as the implementation of mask and vaccine mandates. He couldn’t believe that such measures were taking place in America.
